How does the Bible differentiate between a wife and a concubine?

The Bible presents a nuanced and complex view of relationships, including the distinction between a wife and a concubine. To understand this differentiation, we must delve into the historical, cultural, and theological contexts of biblical times. This exploration will reveal the roles, rights, and societal perceptions of wives and concubines, providing insight into how these relationships were viewed and regulated according to Scripture.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, marriage was a central institution, foundational to family and community life. A wife, in the biblical sense, was a woman who entered into a covenantal relationship with her husband, often formalized by a dowry and a marriage contract. This union was recognized legally, socially, and religiously. The primary purpose of marriage was to establish a stable family unit, ensure the continuation of lineage, and provide mutual support and companionship.

A concubine, on the other hand, was a woman who lived with a man and had a recognized relationship with him but without the full status of a wife. The Hebrew term for concubine is "pilegesh," and while concubines were considered part of the household, their status was secondary to that of a wife. The reasons for having concubines varied, including social, economic, and sometimes political motivations.

Scriptural References and Distinctions

Several passages in the Bible provide insight into the roles and status of wives and concubines. For instance, Genesis 16:1-4 describes Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, who becomes Abraham's concubine:

"Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, 'The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.' Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife."

Here, Hagar's relationship with Abraham is initiated by Sarah and is primarily for the purpose of bearing children. While Hagar is referred to as a "wife" in some translations, her status remains that of a concubine, as she does not have the same rights or position as Sarah.

In Judges 19, we encounter another example of a concubine:

"In those days Israel had no king. Now a Levite who lived in a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. But she was unfaithful to him. She left him and went back to her parent's home in Bethlehem, Judah."

This narrative highlights the vulnerability and often precarious position of concubines. Unlike wives, concubines did not enjoy the same level of protection or social standing.

Rights and Responsibilities

Wives in the Bible had certain rights and responsibilities that were recognized and protected by law. For example, Exodus 21:10-11 states:

"If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights. And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money."

This passage underscores the legal obligations a husband had towards his wife, ensuring her well-being and rights within the marriage.

In contrast, the rights of concubines were more limited. While they could bear children and be part of the household, their status was not equal to that of a wife. The children of concubines, however, could sometimes inherit from their father, though often with less priority than the children of wives. For example, in Genesis 25:6, we read about Abraham's treatment of his concubines' children:

"But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible's differentiation between wives and concubines reflects broader themes of covenant, fidelity, and God's design for human relationships. Marriage, as instituted by God, is depicted as a covenantal relationship that mirrors the relationship between God and His people. This is evident in passages like Malachi 2:14:

"But you say, 'Why does he not?' Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant."

The covenantal nature of marriage underscores its exclusivity, permanence, and sanctity. Concubinage, while permitted in certain contexts, does not carry the same covenantal weight and often reflects human attempts to deal with social and personal issues, such as infertility or political alliances, outside of God's ideal design for marriage.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament provides further clarity on the nature of marriage and God's intention for human relationships. Jesus' teachings in the Gospels emphasize the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus refers back to the creation narrative to affirm the original design for marriage:

"He answered, 'Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.'"

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the nature of marriage in his epistles, particularly in Ephesians 5:31-33:

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

Paul's analogy of marriage to the relationship between Christ and the Church elevates the institution of marriage to a profound spiritual level, emphasizing mutual love, respect, and unity.

Conclusion

The differentiation between a wife and a concubine in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing legal, social, and theological dimensions. While both wives and concubines were part of the household and could bear children, wives held a higher status with recognized rights and protections. The Bible's portrayal of these relationships reflects the cultural contexts of ancient Israel while also pointing towards God's ideal for marriage as a covenantal and exclusive union.

Understanding these distinctions helps us appreciate the complexities of biblical relationships and the overarching biblical narrative that upholds the sanctity of marriage. As contemporary Christians, we are called to honor and uphold the covenantal nature of marriage, reflecting the love, fidelity, and unity that God intends for this sacred relationship.